Israel Says No Lebanon Pullback Order as Strikes Continue
Published
Israeli security officials said no withdrawal order has reached forces in southern Lebanon, even as U.S.-backed pilot zones are being prepared for Lebanese Army deployment. They said the IDF is planning for a longer stay in several security-zone configurations while continuing strikes, scans and underground-infrastructure demolition against Hezbollah. Lebanese and regional reports said Israeli activity continued Saturday around Tebnine, Majdal Zoun, al-Mansouri, Khiam and Taybeh, with casualties or demolitions reported in Lebanon. U.S. and Lebanese officials say implementation may begin within days, but Israel's condition remains Hezbollah disarmament and Lebanese Army control, because premature withdrawal would let Iran's proxy rebuild threats to northern communities.
Sources
Difference in reporting
Sources factually disagree on the pullback timetable: Ynet reports Israeli defense officials say no withdrawal order has reached IDF forces and a senior Israeli says the Lebanese army will need at least several weeks; The National and Turkiye Today report U.S. or Lebanese officials saying field implementation is moving forward and the first pilot zone could launch within days. The remaining facts are uniform: the June 26 framework links pilot zones to phased IDF pullback, Lebanese army deployment and Hezbollah disarmament; Israeli activity continued in southern Lebanon on July 11; and Hezbollah remains the central security test.
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